Making Degrees Work
Having spent anything from three to six years at university it is essential that students make their degrees work for them, especially with loans to pay off. There are not enough graduate level jobs in the UK to satisfy all of those who leave university each year, so getting a CV with some high-calibre work experience together beforehand is critical.
What is an Internship
‘Internships’ are opportunities available to undergraduates, whereas ‘apprenticeships’ is usually the term used for opportunities available to school leavers. Confusingly the words can be interchangeable. Internships that are highlighted by my-degree.co.uk are all positions that are available to undergraduates, have a salary with the key objective of helping students to obtain graduate-level employment.
Linking Degrees to Internships
Some students know exactly which job sector they want to head for, but for others it is not always easy to make the connection between degree subjects and the first step towards a career after graduating. Either way it is worth researching options thoroughly. Around 75% of graduate jobs do not rely on any specific degree, so the range of job sectors that are open to undergraduates can be mind-boggling. For example, It is not always the case that a history undergraduate is destined to research historical data, convert to a law degree or train as a teacher. In fact, history undergraduates are also excellent candidates for city jobs and management roles as they will have acquired excellent skills for writing reports and analysing information.
When to Apply
Securing an internship, usually in the second year of university, is a significant steppingstone into graduate level employment, so these positions are highly sought after. Some companies organise their internships with revolving applications throughout the year, whereas other companies have specific deadlines. It is important to keep up to date with key information about the application procedures.
How to Apply
The top graduate employers usually require students to be on track for a 2:1 when applying for their coveted internships, although some will accept lower. It is quite usual to have a 4- or 5-fold application process. This includes an online application form, followed by an online aptitude test, a telephone interview, an assessment centre and then the final interview. With a high ratio of applicants to available internships, students need to apply for at least ten, or sometimes twenty before they secure a position.
The Benefits of Internships
Employers use these opportunities to meet new undergraduates and assess them for future employees. They will spot the front-runners and those who are able to learn fast and put their skills into practice. Internships are equally beneficial for undergraduates, who can mature and improve upon their employability skills within a given sector. Whether or not they are invited back to apply for a graduate position, the student will have some excellent training and an interesting addition to their CV, always attractive to other employers.